Isabelle Mercier

Thunder Bay, Ontario

A Canadian Forces Veteran, Mrs. Mercier was the driving force behind the organization of the Second World War Aboriginal Women Veterans' Reunion, which took place in June 2008. This was a national endeavour honouring all Aboriginal servicewomen which required dedication, drive and organizational skills to ensure its success. The ceremony included placing poppies, playing of the bagpipes, poetry reading, a colour guard and traditional Aboriginal elements. Members from the Cadet corps, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal, attended this event. The reunion gave Mrs. Mercier and others the opportunity to share with participants the many contributions of Aboriginal servicewomen. Mrs. Mercier was a member of a team that contributed to a documentary called Trailblazers: They Stood, They Served to relate stories of Aboriginal Veterans.